Salvation Army programs Virginia and Middle Peninsula.

The Salvation Army has multiple centers in the Middle Peninsula area of Virginia. The main location is in Gloucester, but all counties are supported including Matthews, Richmond, and others. The resources include seasonal (Thanksgiving or Christmas meals or gifts), Angel Tree, Emergency Financial Aid, and others.

When facing a short term crisis, this is when the Salvation Army can step forward. They offer short term, immediate relief including for paying rent or utilities to stop homelessness as well as long term case-management or character building programs. They also support Virginia Peninsula families with kids by coordinating Angel Tree Christmas gifts, Summer Day Camps, and community Thanksgiving meals.

Housing resources range from emergency shelter for the homeless to one time rent help. The currently homeless may be given a voucher to pay for a room at an efficiency motel and they partner with churches, charities, and others on arranging shelter. This form of support is very limited though, and if they can't help then find other free motel or hotel programs.

Salvation Army Virginia Peninsula Energy Share is the program that helps keep the utilities on, whether it is gas, heat, or electric. The Salvation works with energy providers to collect donations from the Gloucester County community, and the money funds Energy Share. Not only may bills be paid, but during the summer months homes with senior citizens or young kids can be given free fans to cool their home.

There are three seasonal resources in the Virginia Peninsula. Whether it is Lancaster or another county, the programs include a free Thanksgiving Day meal (from 11am to 2pm) as well as Christmas assistance, in which applications are accepted in October for Angel Tree toys. School backpacks are also given out, for free, during the back to school season. This is for kids in kindergarten up to 12th grade.

There are groceries and meals served too. Both volunteers and Salvation Army Virginia Peninsula staff work on this program. The assistance is given from the Food Pantry, which has non-perishable groceries. The other resource is the Free Bread and Pastries that are given to low income and/or the homeless in the community.

Children up to 5th grade can sign up for lower cost summer camps. The Every Voice Counts will give kids a place to go during the summer. While there they can get meals, participate in recreational activities, receive mentoring, and much more. Parents in the Virginia Peninsula can partner with the Salvation Army on this summer camp service.

Family or thrift stores

The Social Services Department is what coordinates this Salvation Army program in the Virginia Peninsula, including Gloucester County. The location sends reusable items to the public, and the money raised from the sale goes to pay for the Salvation Army services.

So funds go towards rent or energy bills, the food pantry, and even to help pay for motel rooms. They also pay for the drug and alcohol rehab programs. Therefore shopping at the store is a way to give back. The Salvation Army is able to help more families as the result of this store.

There are dozens, if not more, items for sale. Shoppers can find shoes, winter hats or gloves, jackets, socks, low cost birthday toys, furniture for a home, and much more. The Salvation Army Family Store is critical to the charities operation.

For more information, the one site is the Gloucester Service Center, and address is 7057 Linda Circle, Hayes, Virginia 23072. Call (804) 642-3960. Another nearby site for the Middle Peninsula area is the site at 2010 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg, VA. The number is 540-373-3431.